FAQs: Information for Penn Parents

Q: I am the parent of a Penn student. What should I do to prepare if my son or daughter develops influenza-like illness while at Penn?

A: You should visit the Student Health Service homepage to find out more about healthcare for students at Penn and read the report, Preparing for Influenza at Penn and check for ongoing updates provided at this site.

One important piece of advice in the report is that students should discuss with their parents what they will do if they develop influenza-like symptoms while at school. Families who live nearby may wish to drive to campus and take the student home for the duration of the illness. Families who live too far to drive may wish to set up a regular time each day to call and check on how the student is feeling and a plan if the call is not answered.

Parents and other family members who wish to receive updates about influenza developments at Penn can visit this site and subscribe to the Flu Update Service.

Q: What are three things parents should do to prepare for influenza at Penn?

1. Talk to your son or daughter now about what would happen if he or she became ill with the flu.

2. Purchase flu prevention supplies (for example, tissues, disposable wipes, hand sanitizer) and flu care products (cold/flu medicine, thermometers).

3. Subscribe to our Flu Update Service for parents.

Q: What happens if my son or daughter gets sick with flu?

A: Students should call Student Health Service at 215-746-3535 to speak with a health care provider about their symptoms and get treatment advice. We want students to call rather than visit SHS in person to reduce the spread of the illness (this follows CDC infection control guidance).

In addition, we are providing the following advice to students if they are sick with flu:

• Students should stay home from class, work, and social activities.

• Students should contact their instructors via email or phone to make arrangements to make up missed work. Penn instructors know students will be told to stay home from class if they have the flu and will work with students to make up work.

• If students are concerned about their academic progress or if they miss more than two class meetings or an exam, they should contact the advising office in their school to discuss their situation.

Q: What happens if the symptoms get worse? How will sick students be monitored?

A: Sick students who feel worse should call Student Health Service immediately to talk to a doctor or nurse. If it is a medical emergency, students should call Penn Emergency number immediately: 215/573-3333 or 511 (from any campus phone). Sick students on campus will be contacted daily by residential staff to monitor their progress and make sure they are getting what they need.

Q: What if I want to bring my son or daughter home to recover?

Q: While our health care providers and college house staff are great, nothing beats Mom and Dad’s care when you are sick. If they are able, parents are encouraged to pick up sick students and take them home to recover. The CDC advises sick people to avoid public transportation, so travel by private car is the best option.

For those who live too far away to make going home an option, rest assured we will do everything we can to keep sick students comfortable and get them on the road to recovery.

Q: How will Penn notify me if my son or daughter is sick?

A: Penn notifies parents as soon as possible if their son or daughter has been hospitalized due to an injury or illness. You should strongly encourage your son or daughter to provide parent's cell phone numbers to UPennAlert to make sure we don't have problems reaching you in case of emergency.

A case of flu is unlikely to be an emergency. We expect students to contact their parents if they become ill. You should discuss your expectations if your son or daughter becomes ill. A phone call home each day when a student is sick is reasonable.

Q: I am the parent of a young child. Where can I get more information about influenza as it relates to caring for my child?

A: The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has an excellent website with information about influenza and young children: Be Smart About the Flu.